U.S. patent number 6,425,705 [Application Number 09/836,930] was granted by the patent office on 2002-07-30 for ratchet mechanism for connecting a cleaning head to a handle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Vicki Ingram.
United States Patent |
6,425,705 |
Ingram |
July 30, 2002 |
Ratchet mechanism for connecting a cleaning head to a handle
Abstract
A ratchet-like coupling mechanism (20) for releaseably coupling
a cleaning head (22) to a handle (24). The mechanism (20) comprises
a handle adaptor (28); a sleeve (30); an engagement arm (32); and
an engagement wheel (34). Where a liquid delivering handle (24) is
used, the handle adaptor (28) operates to adapt the mechanism (20)
to avoid interfering with the liquid flowpath. The handle adaptor
(28) may be eliminated where a solid handle is used. The sleeve
(30) secures to the handle adaptor (28) or directly to the handle,
and supports the engagement arm (32). The engagement wheel (34) is
secured to the head (22). The arm (32) and wheel (34) present
oppositely biased teeth (56,57) allowing the adaptor (28) or handle
to be threadably coupled with the head (22), but which must be
disengaged, by actuating the arm (32), to uncouple the head (22)
from the handle (24).
Inventors: |
Ingram; Vicki (Emporia,
KS) |
Assignee: |
Hopkins Manufacturing
Corporation (Emporia, KS)
|
Family
ID: |
25273071 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/836,930 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/290;
15/143.1; 15/145; 15/176.1; 15/176.3; 15/176.6; 401/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B
17/02 (20130101); B25G 3/30 (20130101); A46B
5/0095 (20130101); A46B 2200/302 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A46B
17/00 (20060101); A46B 17/02 (20060101); A46B
011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;401/290,268
;403/299,315,316,317,320,287
;15/145,143.1,176.1,176.2,176.3,176.4,176.5,176.6 ;16/422,427
;285/81,90 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Walczak; David J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hovey Williams LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to copending patent application
entitled "Wash Brush System With Removable Head", Ser. No.
09/837,088, filed Apr. 18, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by
reference into the present application.
Claims
Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention,
what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent includes the following:
1. A cleaning tool comprising: a handle having an elongated body
presenting an externally threaded end; a cleaning head presenting
an internally threaded recessed portion; a sleeve operable to
couple with the handle at the externally threaded end; an
engagement arm actuatably coupled with the sleeve and presenting
one or more first teeth; and an engagement wheel having a hollow
center and presenting one or more second teeth arranged
circumferentially about an outer surface of the engagement wheel,
with the engagement wheel being secured over the internally
threaded recessed portion of the cleaning head so as to allow the
externally threaded end of the handle to be received within the
internally threaded recessed portion; wherein the first and second
teeth are oriented so as to slide over one another when the
engagement arm and the engagement wheel are rotated relative to one
another in a tightening direction, and to engage one another when
the engagement arm and the engagement wheel are rotated relative to
one another in a loosening direction.
2. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
engagement wheel is secured to the cleaning head.
3. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
engagement wheel is incorporated into the cleaning head.
4. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
engagement arm presents a tang operable to facilitate actuation of
the engagement arm.
5. A cleaning tool comprising: a handle having an elongated hollow
body; a cleaning head presenting an internally threaded recessed
portion; a handle adaptor presenting first and second ends, with
the first end operable to couple with the handle and the second
being externally threaded and operable to be received within the
internally threaded recessed portion of the cleaning head; a sleeve
operable to couple with the handle adaptor; an engagement arm
actuatably coupled with the sleeve and presenting one or more first
teeth; and an engagement wheel having a hollow center and
presenting one or more second teeth arranged circumferentially
about an outer surface of the engagement wheel, with the engagement
wheel being secured over the internally threaded recessed portion
of the cleaning head so as to allow the externally threaded end of
the handle adaptor to be received within the internally threaded
recessed portion; wherein the first and second teeth are oriented
so as to slide over one another when the engagement arm and the
engagement wheel are rotated relative to one another in a
tightening direction, and to engage one another when the engagement
arm and the engagement wheel are rotated relative to one another in
a loosening direction.
6. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
engagement wheel is secured to the cleaning head.
7. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
engagement wheel is incorporated into the cleaning head.
8. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
engagement arm presents a tang operable to facilitate actuation of
the engagement arm.
9. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first end
of the handle adaptor couples with the handle by fitting snuggly
inside the elongated hollow body.
10. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the coupled
handle and head provide an internal liquid flowpath extending
through the cleaning tool, and the handle adaptor is hollow to
accommodate the flowpath.
11. The cleaning tool as set forth in claim 10, further comprising
an O-ring associated with the handle adaptor to prevent leakage of
a liquid flowing in the flowpath.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to handled cleaning tools having
separate cleaning heads and handles that may be coupled for use and
uncoupled, as desired, for storage, maintenance, or replacement.
More particularly, the invention relates to a ratchet-like coupling
mechanism for releasably coupling, using directionally interlocking
teeth, a cleaning head, such as a broom, mop, or sponge head, to a
handle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Brushes, brooms, and similar cleaning tools have long been used to
sweep, scrub, mop, or otherwise clean surfaces or objects as
needed. Typically, these tools comprise a cleaning head and a
handle, with the head presenting a cleaning material of some sort,
such as bristles, a scrubbing pad, or an absorbent material.
Further, the head is typically removably coupled with the handle so
as to allow for storage, maintenance, and replacement of dirty or
worn heads, or changing to a different handle having some desired
characteristic such as a longer or shorter length.
Those with ordinary skill in the mechanical arts will appreciate
that numerous mechanisms exist for coupling a cleaning head with a
handle. Perhaps the most well known mechanism involves providing
the head with a threaded recess and the handle with a threaded end
so that the two may be screwed together. Unfortunately, the threads
often strip due to overtightening, or the handle inadvertently
unscrews during use. When this happens, it is known, for example,
to glue or nail the head and handle together. Unfortunately, doing
so effectively eliminates any ability to uncouple the members when
desired.
Other coupling mechanisms are known that employ complicated and
expensive interlocking members secured to or incorporated into one
or both of the head or handle. The complexity of these latter
mechanisms makes them prone to wear and breakage, and can
substantially increase the cost of the tool. Still another category
of coupling mechanisms exists that relies on points or teeth to
bitingly engage the handle or head. These mechanisms can cause
degradation over time of the handle material, particularly wood or
plastic, or make uncoupling difficult.
Due to the above-identified and other problems in the art, a need
exists for a cleaning tool having an improved coupling mechanism
for securely coupling cleaning head to handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The coupling mechanism of the present invention overcomes the
above-identified and other problems in the art by providing a
simple and inexpensive ratchet-like mechanism for securely coupling
a cleaning head to a handle and preventing inadvertent uncoupling,
while allowing for quick and easy uncoupling when desired.
The preferred mechanism comprises a handle adaptor; a sleeve; an
engagement arm; and an engagement wheel. The handle adaptor is an
adaptation for accommodating a handle operable to deliver a liquid,
wherein inclusion of the handle adaptor avoids interfering with a
liquid flowpath through the handle and head. The handle adaptor may
be eliminated in many applications, particularly where a solid
handle is used. The sleeve secures to the handle adaptor or
directly to the handle, and supports the engagement arm. The
engagement wheel is secured to or incorporated into the cleaning
head. The arm and wheel present oppositely slanted or biased teeth
that directionally interlock depending on the direction of relative
motion.
In operation, the sleeve is coupled either with the adaptor or
directly with the handle. The adaptor or handle is then screwed
into a threaded head recess at least until first teeth of the
engagement arm operatively contact second teeth of the engagement
wheel. The slanted biases of the teeth allow the adaptor or handle
to be screwed into the head without interference, but prevent it
from being inadvertently removed therefrom.
These and other important aspects of the present invention are more
fully described in the section entitled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in
detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the
coupling mechanism of the present invention shown with a cleaning
tool comprising a cleaning head and a handle;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the assembled cleaning tool of
FIG. 1 with the coupling mechanism engaged;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the cleaning tool of FIG.
2;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the engaged coupling
mechanism;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the disengaged coupling
mechanism;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of the coupling mechanism showing its
relationship with the handle;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8--8 of
FIG. 7 and showing the coupling mechanism being installed on the
handle;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8--8 of
FIG. 7 showing the coupling mechanism properly installed on the
handle;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 9;
and
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the present invention is a
ratchet-like coupling mechanism 20 for securely coupling a cleaning
head 22 to a handle 24. A preferred embodiment of the coupling
mechanism 20 is illustrated herein as being adapted for use with a
wash brush having an internal flowpath operable to deliver a liquid
at the cleaning head 22, such as the wash brush disclosed and
claimed in the copending patent application titled "Wash Brush
System With Removable Head", Ser. No. 09/837,088, filed Apr. 18,
2001. As will be appreciated by those with skill in the mechanical
arts, however, the coupling mechanism 20 may be easily configured
or adapted for other applications, and is therefore not limited to
the embodiment disclosed herein for illustrative purposes only. The
illustrated coupling mechanism 20 broadly comprises a handle
adaptor 28; a sleeve 30; an engagement arm 32; and an engagement
wheel 34. Except where otherwise noted, mechanism components may be
constructed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.
As is disclosed in the above identified co-pending application, the
handle 24 is an elongated hollow cylinder having an internal first
flowpath for delivering a liquid to the cleaning head 22. The head
22 provides a second flowpath alignable with the first when the
handle 24 and head 22 are properly coupled. Thus, in this
particular embodiment, it is desirable that the coupling mechanism
20 securely couple the head 22 with the handle 24 without
obstructing either flowpath.
The handle adaptor 28 is included to adapt the coupling mechanism
20 so as to accommodate the flowpaths, and comprises a
substantially hollow cylinder having first and second ends 38,40.
The first end 38 is externally threaded and corresponds to an
internally threaded threaded recess 42 presented by the head 22. An
O-ring 43 or gasket may be slipped over the first end 38 to prevent
leakage of any liquid from the flowpath. The second end 40 is sized
to fit tightly within the hollow handle 24. An O-ring 44 or gasket
may be slipped over the second adaptor end 40 to prevent leakage of
any liquid flowing from the flowpath. Midway between the first and
second ends 38,40, the adaptor 28 includes an elliptical connector
portion 46 presenting female recesses 48 of any suitable shape,
such as square, rectangular, or round.
As will be appreciated by one with skill in the mechanical arts,
the handle adaptor 28 is an adaptation for accommodating the first
and second flowpaths of the head 22 and handle 24, and is
unnecessary in applications not involving such. For example, were
the coupling mechanism 20 is to be used on a conventional wooden
pushbroom with a solid, threaded handle, the handle adaptor 28 is
not required and may be eliminated.
The sleeve 30 supports and couples the engagement arm 32 with the
adaptor 28 or the handle 24. The sleeve's shape corresponds to the
elliptical connector portion 46 of the handle adaptor 28. Referring
also to FIGS. 8 and 9, the sleeve 30 comprises two or more
semi-flexible tabs 50 having inwardly projecting catches 52
corresponding to the female recesses 48 of the adaptor 28 such that
the catches 52, when the sleeve 30 is properly positioned upon the
adaptor 28, engage the female recesses 48 to secure the sleeve 30
in its operative location.
As noted above, the described preferred embodiment includes
adaptations for a particular application involving a wash brush.
Where the present invention is to be used with an ordinary solid
handled cleaning tool, the handle adaptor 28 may be eliminated and
the sleeve 30 coupled directly with the handle. In this case, a
number of mechanisms and schemes may be used to secure the sleeve
30 directly to the handle, including commonly available fasteners
such as nails or screws.
Referring also to FIGS. 5, 6, 10, and 11, the engagement arm 32 is
hingedly or flexibly coupled with the sleeve 30 to project
therefrom, and presents a plurality of first teeth 56 slantedly
biased in a first direction and operable to directionally interlock
with and selectively engage the engagement wheel 34 and prevent
relative movement therebetween. Although two or three first teeth
are preferred, the number of first teeth 56 presented is a matter
of design choice and application. The engagement arm 32 also
presents a projecting tang 58 which facilitates actuating the arm
32 to release the engaged teeth 56 and thereby permit removal of
the handle 24 from the head 22.
The engagement wheel 34 is a cylindrical wheel secured to or
incorporated into the head 22 of the wash brush or other cleaning
tool and presenting a plurality of second teeth 57 arranged about
an outer surface of the wheel 34 and slantedly biased in a second
direction opposite the first direction of the first teeth 56 so as
to directionally interlock with and selectively engage the first
teeth 56 and prevent relative movement therebetween. The size and
shape of the second teeth 57 should correspond with those of the
first teeth 56; the number of second teeth 57 presented is a matter
of design choice and application. The engagement wheel 34 has a
hollow center so to allow the threaded second adaptor end 38 or, in
other embodiments, the threaded handle end to pass into the head
recess 42 wherein it may be threadably engaged.
In operation, the handle adaptor 28 is first properly installed
within the handle 24 and the engagement wheel 34 is properly
located upon the head 22. Installation of the adaptor 28 involves
installing the O-rings 43,44 and pushing the second adaptor end 40
into the handle 24 until snuggly fit therein. The engagement wheel
34 may be incorporated into the head 22 during manufacture, or may
require installation involving, for example, positioning the wheel
34 over the internally threaded recess 42 and securing it with
suitable fasteners, such as nails or screws.
The sleeve 30 is then slipped over the externally threaded first
adaptor end 38, as shown in FIG. 7, and pushed onto the elliptical
portion 46 until the catches 52 engage the female recesses 48. The
threaded adaptor end 38 is then screwed into the head recess 42 at
least until the first teeth 56 of the engagement arm 32 operatively
contact the second teeth 57 of the engagement wheel 34. The slanted
biases of the teeth 56,57 allow the adaptor 28 to be screwed into
the head 22 without interference, but prevent it from being
inadvertently removed therefrom.
When it is desired to uncouple the head 22 from the handle 24, the
engagement arm 32 must be actuated to disengage the teeth 56,57 and
allow the adaptor 28 or handle to be unscrewed. The arm 32 may be
so actuated by pulling upon the tang 58 until the teeth 56,57 are
separated.
From the preceding description, it can be seen that the
ratchet-like coupling mechanism 20 of the present invention
provides a simple and inexpensive releasable mechanism for securely
coupling a cleaning head to a handle and preventing inadvertent
uncoupling, while allowing for quick and easy uncoupling when
desired.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, it is
noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made
herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited
in the claims. For example, as described above, the handle adaptor
28 is an adaptation for accommodating flowpaths within the hollow
handle 24 and head 22, and may be eliminated where the handle is
solid or otherwise provides a surface or mechanism to which or with
which the sleeve 30 may be secured.
* * * * *